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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Abdominal Pain After Excessive Drinking Could Be Pancreatic Or Due To Ulcer?

I took my friend to the hospital emergency room about 4 days ago because of abdominal pain. Her lipase level was 900. She admits to drinking at least 6 beers every night. She has also had stomach ulcers in the past. The Dr in the hospital told her she needed to quit drinking as the high lipase levels were likely a result of excessive drinking. Yesterday, her primary care Dr took blood tests again and said that all levels are normal but did not specifically mention lipase. He thinks it's her ulcer returning. How do we tell whether it's pancriititis or an ulcer. She of course thinks it's an ulcer. I'm concerned about her drinking.
Wed, 25 Jun 2014
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hi ! Good morning. I am Dr Shareef answering your query.

One fact is sure which you should specifically counsel your friend is to leave alcohol totally, as irrespective of whether it is pancreatitis or a gastric ulcer, alcohol is detrimental and the cause of both these conditions.

The pain could have been due to pancreatitis de novo or the gastric ulcer penetrating the posterior wall of the stomach to make the pancreas inflamed resulting in pancreatitis. In both the cases the serum amylase, and lipase could be increased along with alcoholism. However, high levels like a lipase of 900 points more towards a pancreatitis. If I were your doctor, after her condition is stabilised in the hospital, I would refer her to a gastro enterologist for a possible endoscopic evaluation of her old gastric ulcer. And I would also ask her for an absolute NO to alcohol to prevent further damage to the pancreas which sometimes results in very poor prognosis. She should continue with her treatment advised by the doctors of the hospital.

I hope this information would help you in discussing with your family physician/treating doctor in further management of your problem. Please do not hesitate to ask in case of any further doubts.

Thanks for choosing health care magic to clear doubts on your health problems. Wishing you an early recovery. Dr Shareef.


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Abdominal Pain After Excessive Drinking Could Be Pancreatic Or Due To Ulcer?

Hi ! Good morning. I am Dr Shareef answering your query. One fact is sure which you should specifically counsel your friend is to leave alcohol totally, as irrespective of whether it is pancreatitis or a gastric ulcer, alcohol is detrimental and the cause of both these conditions. The pain could have been due to pancreatitis de novo or the gastric ulcer penetrating the posterior wall of the stomach to make the pancreas inflamed resulting in pancreatitis. In both the cases the serum amylase, and lipase could be increased along with alcoholism. However, high levels like a lipase of 900 points more towards a pancreatitis. If I were your doctor, after her condition is stabilised in the hospital, I would refer her to a gastro enterologist for a possible endoscopic evaluation of her old gastric ulcer. And I would also ask her for an absolute NO to alcohol to prevent further damage to the pancreas which sometimes results in very poor prognosis. She should continue with her treatment advised by the doctors of the hospital. I hope this information would help you in discussing with your family physician/treating doctor in further management of your problem. Please do not hesitate to ask in case of any further doubts. Thanks for choosing health care magic to clear doubts on your health problems. Wishing you an early recovery. Dr Shareef.